Fox Entertainment Studios and HarperCollins Publishers Strike Two-Way First Look Deal

Fox Entertainment Studios and HarperCollins Publishers have entered a two-way first look deal.

The agreement is intended to create an “ongoing content pipeline” between the two companies, according to press release. Fox will develop series and films based on books from the HarperCollins imprint Avon A, while the publisher will have opportunities to adapt studio originals into print form. The companies are also considering modes of cross-platform collaboration such as companion books released in tandem with screen projects. HarperCollins Productions executives Caroline Fraser and Jennifer Contrucci will serve as non-writing producers on the slate of projects co-produced by the two companies.

“From YA to horror, Avon A has built an impressive library of genre-spanning, trend-driven stories that are begging for adaptation,” said Fox’s scripted chief Hannah Pillemer in a statement. “Our ability to mine this rich, ever-growing collection opens a world of storytelling possibilities with of-the-moment immediacy for viewers and readers alike. The reciprocal nature of our partnership makes it even more exciting by connecting audiences with great stories in new ways and giving them fresh opportunities to enjoy characters they love across multiple mediums.”

“Developing new IP across both screen and page is the kind of symbiotic relationship that’s a storyteller’s dream, whether you’re an author or a screenwriter,” said Fraser, head of HarperCollins Productions. “The team at Avon A and our friends at Fox are already deep into their respective wish lists of adaptations and plan to announce an inaugural slate of fresh, captivating storytelling opportunities soon. From engaging audiences with a great new movie or inspiring people to read books, there’s no question this partnership is a great match.”

“This is about building a true creative dialogue between two companies that deeply understand what readers and viewers want,” said Tessa Woodward, vice president and editorial director at Avon A. “By combining our focus on delivering trend-driven, genre-spanning fiction for readers of all ages with Fox’s track record in producing unforgettable scripted entertainment, we’re creating a pipeline that delivers compelling, commercial stories across platforms by deepening fan engagement and creating new entry points into our authors’ work.”